Reversible thermodynamic cycles are a technology designed to transform surplus electricity into storable heat and then convert it into electricity when the grid requires it. In medium-temperature configurations (150–300 °C), they use organic fluids in heat pump schemes and expansion cycles using volumetric compressors or turbomachinery, adapting to different power scales. For high-temperature applications (~1000 °C), the technology combines compressed air storage concepts with solar input, achieving high energy densities and competitive efficiencies.

This flexibility makes reversible cycles a strategic choice for integrating variable renewables into the grid, providing long-duration storage, low degradation and high durability.

The target market includes grid operators and large operators that require reliable solutions to reduce renewable energy discharges and ensure stability.

Currently, the technology is in the initial phase of conceptual validation (TRL 2-3), with laboratory tests that have demonstrated operating principles and defined scaling paths to industrial demonstrators. The protection of intellectual property is managed through consortium agreements and the development of proprietary methods.
Link to relevant projects: Home – RESTORE, Home – ASTERIx-CAESar.